A Possible case of Facio-Auriculo-Vertebral sequence (FAVs) in an adult female from medieval Iceland (13th–16th Century)

ConclusionsThis individual presents with anomalous craniofacial asymmetry consistent with a clinical diagnosis of FAVs.SignificanceThis paper offers a visually distinct case of an under-represented and under-documented congenital condition for future identification within paleopathology.LimitationsInfra-cranial skeletal manifestations of FAVs would strengthen this possible diagnosis, but at this time it is not possible to definitively link the cranium and mandible of HFE-A-34 to any of the infra-cranial remains excavated from Haffjarðarey.Suggestions for further researchIn addition to further clarifying the variable nature of FAVs in archaeological remains, a detailed discussion of disability and the perception of disabled individuals within the medieval North Atlantic is necessary in order to understand the lived experiences of affected individuals.
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research